May 19, 2026

Tickle Me Elmo and the ‘Elmo-Mania’ That Consumed America

It was just a simple toy: Tickle Me Elmo, a plush doll that giggled when it was squeezed. What it sparked, though, was far less innocent, […]
December 1, 2024

A History of Holiday It Toys

A look back at 70-plus years of gadgetry, innovation and Mr. Potato Head. Once upon a time, holiday gifts for children were a relatively humble thing: […]
December 1, 2024

A History of Holiday It Toys

Once upon a time, holiday gifts for children were a relatively humble thing: perhaps a handful of chestnuts and a small wooden toy; even — oh, […]
December 1, 2024

From Pong to Pokémon: A History of Holiday ‘It’ Toys

Once upon a time, holiday gifts for children were a relatively humble thing: perhaps a handful of chestnuts and a small wooden toy; even — oh, […]
December 1, 2024

From Pong to Pokémon: A History of Holiday ‘It’ Toys

Once upon a time, holiday gifts for children were a relatively humble thing: perhaps a handful of chestnuts and a small wooden toy; even — oh, […]
July 15, 2023

A Visual Guide to Barbie: Outfits, Accessories and More

Maybe you’ve heard there’s a Barbie movie coming out? Well, this isn’t about that. It is, however, about the 11½ inches of intellectual property that inspired […]
September 21, 2022

Modern Love Podcast: How to Feel Yourself

Listen and follow Modern LoveApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Amazon Music “My motto is sex for one, sex for two, sex for all who […]
July 8, 2022

Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Dole Pineapple Return to the Licensing Expo

The Licensing Expo returned in person this year, where characters big and small searched for a match made in consumer heaven. At 10:30 a.m. on the […]
June 25, 2021

Why Won’t Anyone Help Me in This Sex Shop?

At 83, and legally blind, I could use some assistance. I didn’t see what the problem was. I’m a perfectly respectable woman who knows what she […]
April 3, 2020

Children Are Hunting Teddy Bears During the Coronavirus Outbreak

With her school closed, her city quiet and her country under lockdown, Stevie-Lee Tiller, 13, is stuck at home with her parents and three siblings. Stevie-Lee, […]